How Pool & Spa Valves Work

🧰 Understanding Pool Valves

How Pool Valves Work and Why They Matter

Pool valves are a vital part of your pool’s plumbing system. They help manage water flow, direct circulation, and control filtration, heating, draining, and more. Knowing how these valves work — and which types are best — can improve your pool’s performance and make maintenance easier.

🔁 Types of Pool Valves

🔄 Diverter Valves (Premier’s Recommended Valve Type)

At Premier Pool & Spa, we recommend diverter valves for most pool systems. They are maintainable and repairable, with replaceable internals and the ability to be disassembled and lubricated.

📌 Common Diverter Valve Configurations:

Two-Way Diverter Valves
- One inlet and one outlet
- Used in nearly every Premier installation
- Ideal for precise on/off control
Three-Way Diverter Valves
- One inlet and two outlets
- Typically used to split flow between skimmer and main drain
- Premier's Recommendation: Instead of a three-way valve, we recommend plumbing the skimmer and main drain in a header configuration with individual two-way valves. This allows full on/off control of each suction line independently.
Four-Way Diverter Valves
- One inlet and three outlets
- Used to direct water between pumps, filters, heaters, water features, etc.
- Rotating the handle controls multiple destinations simultaneously

diverter valves and how they work

🧱 Slice/Gate Valves (Outdated & Not Recommended)

Slice or gate valves use a sliding gate to control flow. While functional, these valves are rarely used in modern pool systems.
🔧 Recommendation: If encountered, replace with diverter valves for better reliability and serviceability.
gate & slice valves

🔘 Ball Valves (Not Recommended for Suction Lines)

Ball valves use a rotating ball with a hole to control water flow. They are:

💰 Inexpensive for installers
❌ Not maintainable — must be replaced when worn
❗ Problematic when closing pools if located on a main drain line

⚠️ If a ball valve fails to seal at closing, Premier technicians will cut it out and plug the line manually to blow out the main drain. For long-term performance, we recommend diverter valves instead.

🔄 Multiport Valves (For Filter Systems)

Multiport valves are found on sand and DE filters and offer multiple settings for various water management functions.

Common Multiport Settings:

Filter – Normal filtration
Backwash – Reverse water flow to clean filter media
Rinse – Resettles media after backwash
Waste – Sends water out of the system, bypassing the filter
Closed – Shuts off water flow
Recirculate (Bypass) – Circulates water without filtration

🧠 Tip: If your filter begins to leak, use the Recirculate setting to keep heating and circulating water until repairs are made.
🛑 Always turn off your pump before changing settings.

💡 Valve Locations & Functions

🌀 Skimmer Valve(s)

Controls water suction from the pool's surface to the pump/filter.
(Skimmer = Rectangular opening with floating weir and basket)

🌊 Main Drain Valve(s)

Controls suction from the bottom of the pool.
(Main Drain = Round suction covers on the pool floor)

💧 Sump Valve

Some pools include a sump valve connected to a line beneath the pool. Used only when groundwater is present.
When opened, the line may need to be primed. Monitor pump closely and close the valve when it begins to pull air.

🔁 Return Valve(s)

Controls the flow of filtered water back into the pool. Adjust to balance return flow to different jets or zones.

🧼 Waste Valve

Bypasses the filter to remove water directly from the pool. Useful for:

Lowering water level
Vacuuming to waste

🧽 Backwash & Rinse Valve Settings

Used on multiport valves during routine filter cleaning:

Backwash flushes debris from the filter
Rinse re-compacts media before returning to filtration

🚨 Never turn the handle while the pump is running!

🛠️ Summary: Why Valve Choice Matters

Proper valve selection and setup ensures:

✅ Efficient water circulation
✅ Safe winterization
✅ Easy equipment control
✅ Reduced maintenance headaches

At Premier Pool & Spa, we install and service valves with long-term functionality and homeowner ease in mind.

📍 Need help identifying or replacing your pool valves?
Visit our retail store or schedule a service call with one of our certified technicians.

📞 Contact Us or Book Service Now!

Pool plumbing shouldn’t be a mystery — Premier Pool & Spa makes it simple.